Russell Dan Harper

Russell Dan Harper, formerly of Temple, Texas passed away on August 16, 2014, after fighting a courageous battle with diabetes. He was 58. Russell was born in Temple, Texas on December 18, 1955 to Dan C. Harper and the late Suzanna Davis Harper. Russell was a 1973 graduate of Temple High School and attended Texas A&M University. He worked for many years in the financial services industry, including First Federal Savings and Loan, the stock brokerage firm of Dean Witter Reynolds, and most recently with MassMutual Financial Group. At an early age, Russell was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, receiving his God and Country award, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and was elected to the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's National Honor Society. He was also an avid reader, had a love for animals, and enjoyed travel, especially to his beloved Hermit Lakes in Colorado. He is survived by his father, Dan C. Harper of Temple; brothers R. Davis Harper and wife JoAnn of Temple, Ray Harper of Temple, and Rinn Harper and wife Leslie of Leander, TX; sister Rashelle Harper of Temple; and four nephews, Joshua Harper and wife Heather of Temple, Cass Harper and wife, Sybil of Emerado, ND, Aaron Harper of Temple and Jason Harper of Leander, TX, two nieces, Katie Burnfield and husband, Aaron of Virginia Beach, VA and Emily Trotter and husband, Brandon of Temple and one great niece, Elizabeth Harper of Emerado, ND. He is also survived by his loving companion Linda Martin of Bertram, TX. His family wishes to thank the doctors, the nurses of 7 North, and especially the dialysis unit at Scott & White Memorial Hospital for their compassion and care during his illness. A private memorial service was held on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at First Christian Church in Temple, Texas with Dr. Don Lynn and The Reverend David Alwine officiating. Entombment was at Bellwood Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made in Russell's memory to First Christian Church Bus Ministry, 300 North 5th Street, Temple, Texas 76501, the American Diabetes Association of Central Texas, or to a charity of your choice.